Chapter 11

SCARLET'S POV

I refrain from beating myself up. How could I be so careless? Now Adam thinks there's something wrong with me. He's going to be afraid of me for sure. Gosh, Silas was right. I suck at controlling myself.

"We let him believe you were possessed so he wouldn't go searching for answers. He seemed to strongly believe something was up. If we didn't say something he would've found more information. He was incredibly close." James's voice snaps me back into reality. I stare at him panicked.

"Silas... He's gonna punish me, right?"

"He won't. He can't get to you anymore,"

"Ohh... What do I do now?"

"You need to learn how to control your anger. If you don't get angry your powers won't show." I don't hear Jaden's voice. Instead, I hear Silas's cold voice. I see him looking down on me. I start to shake and bring my arms closer to protect myself. The twins approach and embrace me. I look up, still seeing Silas.

"You guys can go now. I wanna be alone for a bit." I turn my head away and trudge to my room. I don't want to see Silas anymore. I don't want to face him.

Once in my room, I decide to study for a bit with the hope to rid my mind of Silas. I have soft, melancholy piano music playing on my phone. It helps me relax and get in the groove. I remember doing the same thing when Silas was alive. I kept myself shut in my room and studied like mad to forget about his harshness. It worked well to distract my mind. It still works to this day.

After studying for a while, I give up then flop on my bed. I remember that I need to control my anger better. I try asking the demon for some help. However, she just wants me to give in to her. I let out a big sigh and roll over to the side. I don't get how sometimes I feel nothing, then other times I feel extremely angry. Why can't I just feel nothing every day?! It would make my life easier, and I wouldn't have to deal with stupid shit!

I cringe as I think about the next day. It's going to be so awkward. There's no doubt that Adam is going to be somewhat scared. I wonder how I'm going to be able to keep a cool head if someone insults me. I wonder how I'm going to remain calm and not beat people up.

I desperately try to think of other ways to contain myself. An idea pops into my head. I convince myself that Silas is still alive and he'll punish me if I get angry. I begin to panic, thinking he's there.

'Okay. Maybe I should try a different approach.' My mind is blank. I decide to just let the demon control half of me. She's at least able to make me control my anger.

***

I keep cringing as me and Adam walk through the corridor. I can sense his fear, which makes me feel bad. I don't like this vibe between us. It feels weird.

"Oi, do you wanna go to the cafeteria to get some food?"

"Yeah, I'm quite hungry. I'm so happy the food is not crap like in high school. It really sucked," I listen in shock as he replies. I actually started a conversation in an awkward setting?! Me?! The socially awkward! What is going on?! I feel like patting myself on the back. Isabel would be really proud. I make a mental note to tell her.

We stop in our tracks. We hear people talking about Silas. Immediately, I'm fired up with anger. I hate how it's a topic loads of people still talk about! I grit my teeth and clench my fists.

"How about we go the other way?" Adam gestures to the opposite direction .

"No, it's fine." I continue walking on. I need to hear what they have to say.

ADAM'S POV

I feel a sense of dread and fear. I'm scared Scarlet is going to lash out on the students. Especially since knowing about her, I know the students won't stand a chance. I fall into pace with her as she beings to walk slowly. I listen in to the students' conversation, hoping it's nothing too crazy. They discuss Silas's death. They wonder how he died, and who was brave and strong enough to murder him.

'Just please drop it. You're not detectives.' I wish I could say this to them. But unfortunately, nothing can stop gossip. I glance at Scarlet, expecting to see her frowning. However, I am confused when I see a discreet smirk full of pride on her face. I decide to shrug it off and leave her be. I'm just grateful she's not getting angry.

We finally pass everyone and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Why are you so relieved for? They weren't talking about you." Scarlet raises an eyebrow as she asks me this.

"Nothing. It doesn't matter." She gives me a confused look then shrugs her shoulders.

I spot two girls from my music class and give them a friendly smile. They stop in front of us.

"Hey Adam!" They squeal. I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from laughing at them.

"Hey. How's it going?"

"It's going goooood." They move closer to me, "You ready for music?"

"Yeah. You?"

"Of course we are." They start making faces at me. I look away and clear my throat to mask my laughter. They start to move closer and I'm afraid I can't hold back anymore.

I almost fall over as Scarlet grabs my wrist and drags me away. I don't even have time to process it. I look at her and she's frowning - as usual. I burst out laughing.

"You saved my life there," I splutter out through laughter.

"Hmm,"

"I'm surprised I didn't laugh back there,"

"I know right. You laugh at anything,"

"I can't help it," I giggle, "You gotta admit it was funny,"

"I guess so. They looked so stupid,"

"Hehehehe. By the way, you can let go of my wrist now. You're kinda hurting me,"

She releases her grip as if she was electrocuted, "Oh shit. Sorry,"

"Don't worry about it," I rub my wrist and glance at her. I poke her red cheek.

"What?!"

"Nothing." I poke her cheek again and again. She grumbles and slaps my hand away. She picks up the pace, leaving me behind. I run to catch up with her.

I keep speeding to keep up with Scarlet until we find a seat in the cafeteria. She takes some chocolate out of her bag and we both share it.

"What now?!" Scarlet yells as I keep staring at her.

"It's funny when I annoy you,"

"I swear the next time you annoy me it won't be so funny!"

"How so?"

"Let's see. For starters, I'll rip your vocal cords out so you can't speak,"

"Heheheh," I laugh nervously, knowing she is fully capable of doing that.

"You doing anything after classes?" I ask, trying to dispel my nervousness.

"Not really, no. I plan to just flop on the sofa. What about you?"

"My dad wants me to get a part-time job, so my brother is gonna help me after classes,"

"Ooft. Have you made any progress so far?"

"No. I can't be bothered getting a job,"

"You're gonna have to,"

"That's what my dad said,"

"Is he strict? Your father?"

"No. He's very nice,"

"That's awesome. You don't realise how lucky you are. Most people don't have a nice father." Her eyes cloud over as she says this. She begins to frown.

"I'm guessing the topic of fathers trigger you. I'm sorry,"

"It's fine." She goes quiet and I feel bad.

"Whereabouts would you prefer to work?" Scarlet's voice quivers mid-sentence. I can feel her leg bouncing up and down from under the table.

"Um... probably somewhere in the mall,"

"

Shopping centre,"

"You're in the U.S, not Scotland,"

"I don't care. It's still a shopping centre,"

"It's the mall,"

"Shopping centre!"

"The mall!"

"Ugh! I'm not gonna even bother arguing,"

"See, I'm right." Scarlet rolls her eyes and I start laughing.

"In any case, I hope you get a job,"

"Thanks,"

"No worries." Scarlet goes quiet and begins to fiddle with the chocolate wrapper. I notice her cheeks turn red again and she starts shaking. I am confused for a beat before thinking of something that would help regain her composure.

"Hey Scarlet, can you help me with something." I take out my work and a pen then place them on the table. Scarlet looks up then adjusts herself on her seat.

"Yeah, sure. What is it you need?"

"I'm kinda stuck on this. Could you explain it to me?"

"You're stuck because you were too busy annoying me in class and not paying attention,"

"I couldn't help it,"

She rolls her eyes then continues, "It's pretty simple." Scarlet thoroughly explains the subject matter.

She goes into detail and makes sure I understand it before moving on. She writes a few notes in my notebook. Once she's explained it, she spins her pen across her hand a couple of times.

"How do you do that?!" I exclaim.

"Magic,"

"Teach me,"

"No,"

"That's not nice,"

"Once you fully understand what I've explained to you then I'll teach you,"

"But that's boring,"

"Too bad. The quicker you do it the quicker I can teach you cool pen tricks,"

"Alright!" I set to work and Scarlet facepalms. I hear her chuckle then I start laughing. I keep annoying her for the remainder of our time in the cafeteria. I can't stop laughing every time she grumbles.

***

I stand there looking out for my brother's car. I can barely contain my excitement. I haven't seen him or his girlfriend Lola in ages.

I finally see Paul's car and I practically run over to it. I open the car door and throw myself on the backseat, then shut the door. For some reason, I burst out laughing.

"Adam! We've missed you so much! You've changed a lot!" Lola squeals.

"I know right. He looks like an adult in his uniform. I almost didn't recognise him." Paul turns to look at me as he says this.

"Hey! I can be adulty, you know,"

"Ads, you cry your eyes when watching 'The Lion King'. Even Ellie is more mature than you,"

"Uh, why wouldn't you cry when watching that movie. The poor guy loses his father. I don't wanna imagine how that would feel in real life,"

Paul drives us to a little café. We make our way inside and find a table far away from people. It reminds me of Scarlet wanting to sit away from people. We order something then Paul gets straight to business.

"Okay. First things first. Have you written your resume yet?"

"Uhhh... No,"

Paul facepalms, "Why haven't you made a start on it?"

"I kinda forget. And I couldn't be bothered,"

"Adam, you can't have that 'I can't be bothered' attitude anymore. You need to start being on top of things,"

"I know,"

"We're both here to help you if need be, okay," Lola says, looking at me with kind eyes.

"Thanks,"

"Do you have your laptop with you?"

"Yeah,"

"We can get started now." I bust my laptop out and we set to work. Paul goes over the structure and he helps me with my introduction. I'm still slightly confused but I don't tell him. I don't want him to get annoyed with me.

When it's time to go, Paul tells me to continue it in my free time and send him the first draft. I start frowning. I don't want to have to work on this when I could be sleeping. Paul drops me off back to campus, and I wave goodbye before going over to my dorm. Once inside, I flop on the sofa and play games on my phone. I make a mental note to continue my resume tomorrow.

***

SCARLET'S POV

I lean against the wall smoking. I was trying to search for my mother, but as usual, I found nothing. I don't want to give up but at the same time I'm on the verge of doing just that. I've searched everywhere - even the most abandoned places of the city, yet she was nowhere to be seen. My heart becomes tight as I think about what might have happened to her. I just hope she's not dead. I hope she's safe, enjoying life.

I throw my cigarette on the floor, crush it then walk into the darkness of the night. This is when the supernatural world is at its peak. I can sense loads of creatures. But none of them is my mother. I hold back my tears and continue walking on. I don't feel scared - like one usually would feel when walking alone at night. I know I'm the strongest out there. I know I have the power to take down anyone who tries anything. I'm just anxious about losing control. I don't want to cause a scene.

I walk on to see two men - both vampires - fighting. I roll my eyes as they end up in my way. One stabs the other near the heart. The injured one falls to the ground and the other comes charging at me. I look him right in the eye and use my powers of mental torture. He freezes, before clutching his head with his hands. He falls to his knees in front of me, screaming as I make his deepest, darkest fears become a reality in his mind. He becomes unstable as I dig further. Finally, he falls to his side withering, and mentally unstable. I walk ahead, standing on the wounded vampire's body in the process. I don't pay attention to anything on my way back to campus. I don't care about anything else.

I turn a corner and slam into someone. Before I can fall they catch me. I look into the eyes of my saviour and hatred burns within me. I'd recognise those hazel eyes anywhere. I stand up and push him away from me.

"I didn't expect you to be out so late." He bites his lips.

"Aiden, leave me alone. I'm not in the mood for your crap,"

"You never are. For once, you should just let me help you get in the mood,"

"Tch!" I brush past Aiden Cole; my biggest rival aside from Silas. I remember how jealous his family is of mine, as we're number one in the demon world and they're number two. I smirk at the thought.

Aiden tries to attack me from behind, but I dodge it before it's too late. I grab his arm, slam him against the wall and bend his arm behind his back. I hold him in place, making sure he can't escape.

I chuckle softly, "This is exactly why you can't beat me. You're too predictable,"

"Are you sure about that?" I'm being pulled back by a strong force - his telekinesis. I regain my footing but he punches my stomach before I have time to react. I'm shocked for a beat - he's much faster than usual. I guess he has been training a lot since the last time I saw him.

"Don't underestimate me, Scarlet." He removes his fist from my stomach, then leaves.

"Tch!" I storm off in the other direction. I know his intentions for bothering me. There is no way I'm giving that guy what he wants - me. Both in a sexual way and for my power. I clutch my stomach as I speed walk back to my dorm. Gosh, his punch really hurt. He definitely has gotten stronger.

***

I return to my dorm and call Isabel to come over. I need to rant to her. When she enters flops on the sofa and lies on it.

"Ugh! Why did you have to call me so laaaaate? I need my beauty sleeeep," she moans. I roll my eyes.

"Guess which cunt I ran into just now,"

"Be more specific. You call everyone a cunt." She grabs my arm, drags me on the sofa then rests her head in my lap.

"You'd better now fall asleep on me!"

"That's your fault. Anyway, who'd u see?"

"Aiden Cole,"

"Oh noooooo! What did he want?"

"Nothing much. But I have a feeling he has gotten stronger. I mean, he landed a pretty good punch,"

"Aight, gimme a dagger! Imma slit this man's throat!"

I chuckle, "You know you can't do that,"

"Cuz they're so stupid and would fight us!"

"You sound like your drunk. Have you been drinking?"

"Maybe,"

"Why?"

"Work pissed me off too much! There were too many Karens! I needed a bath and a glass of wine!"

"Seems like more than one glass of wine," I mutter to myself. Eventually, Isabel falls asleep. I quickly stand up so she doesn't drool on my lap, then rest her head on a cushion before wrapping her in a blanket. She gets really violent when she's drunk, so I don't want her to start attacking me for no reason.

***

I make myself a bowl of cereal then sit down at the kitchen table. I didn't get much sleep last night. I kept thinking about my mother. I cannot stop feeling guilty for what happened. If I didn't lose control that day, she wouldn't have gotten scared and I would still be living at the manor with her. I can vaguely remember the day I moved out. It was roughly about a week after that incident. I wanted to isolate myself from everyone - but grandfather Axel told my cousins to move into the dorms as well so they're near me if I need them.

I hear Isabel moan in the other room. I heave a sigh and stand up, make a glass of water, grab some painkillers and make my way to her. She's clutching her head and it looks like she is about to fall off the sofa. I hold back a laugh as I hand her the water and medicine.

"Argh! You're a lifesaver!"

"Hm," I sit down next to her as she takes the medicine and guzzles down the water. I let out an exasperated sigh.

Isabel notices me bad mood straight away, "What's up? Did you have nightmares again?"

"No, thankfully,"

"You know I'm used to these hangover headaches. I can still function properly,"

"Cuz you're built different,"

"Yes, I am. Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that you can talk to me if need be,"

"It's just... my mother,"

"What about her?"

"Everything. I just feel like shit for not being able to find her,"

"I understand,"

"No, you don't. You can easily see your mother,"

"I understand how hard this is for you. I have to say, you're awesome for still turning up for class, studying and getting good grades,"

"Well, what can I say? I'm used to it. But it doesn't mean I enjoy it,"

"I know. Come here." Isabel comes closer and embraces me. I gasp in shock. I try to wiggle out of her embrace. However, her grip is too strong. I gradually sit still then feel somewhat comforted.

"...What if we don't find her?" My voice quivers.

"Don't say that. We will find her."

"I've looked everywhere and I've found nothing!"

"...Maybe you're not looking hard enough?"

"What do you mean?"

"You can't always rely on your sensing powers to get things done. Maybe this issue requires human methods,"

"Human methods?"

"Maybe you need to take your time and thoroughly search. Who knows, she could be hidden in a way you may not be able to sense it." I ponder her words.

"How would I use these human methods?" I feel like an idiot asking this.

"You can search through buildings if there are any in the area. Instead of sensing, just physically go and look,"

"But won't that take a long time?"

"Well, it is the human way. But it'll be worth it. If humans get it done like that, then so can you,"

"But we're not humans." We fall silent. I'm not used to getting things done in a slow, human way. I don't even know where to begin.

***

When Isabel leaves I lie on the sofa. I wonder how those people in the crime novels I read get it done. Urgh! I feel so hopeless. I don't want to waste time doing everything so slowly. She could be harmed during that time. Or even worse! I try to stop myself from thinking of that possibility, but it's too late. I clutch the blanket that Isabel left. My sadness turns into anger. I direct my anger to a burning hatred for Silas. It's all his fault!

The more I think about him, the more I remember the past. Anger and fear rise within me. I just want to hurt Silas like he hurt me. Beat him like he beat me. Mentally torture him like he mentally tortured me.

I catch a glimpse of my reflection on the TV and stare at it in horror. I see Silas staring right back at me. I can't look away from his menacing gaze. I blink a couple of times, then see he's gone. It's just my horrified face I'm staring at. I start to panic. I feel like Silas is lurking around here, waiting for the right time to jump out of nowhere and attack me. I start shaking, feeling as if he is standing above me. I try to control my breathing and tell myself he's not here. But my mind doesn't listen. Instead, I am transported through time and enter another flashback...

I am in the body of my young teenage self. I had failed to follow Silas's instructions. He was testing me, and I failed. Badly. He was standing in front of me, looking down on my small self. I was shaking and staring at the floor, hoping that this punishment wouldn't be bad. I was hoping he would be nice and let me go. But of course, I was wrong. He would never do something like that.

I flinched as he grabbed my face and made me look at him. His fury was palpable. I gulped, afraid of what was going to happen next.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" He asked calmly, yet I could hear the anger in his voice. He genuinely thought there was something wrong with me - not in a good way.

"..." I whimpered. I couldn't speak.

"Tch!" I flinched as he threw his hand away from my face. Before I noticed, he kicked my stomach. That kick sent me sliding on the floor halfway across the room. I clutched my stomach in pain and rolled over to the side. I was trying not to cry as moans of pain escaped me.

I heard Silas's footsteps get louder. He came to a stop in front of me then squatted down. I caught a glimpse of his face. It was, of course, filled with disappointment.

"I don't understand why you suck so badly. None of your ancestors were like this, you know. So why do you have to be so shit?" Again, I didn't answer. I just rolled the other way. I didn't want to look at him.

Out of the blue, I felt a strange pressure on my already sore stomach. It gradually became stronger and stronger to the point I was yelling and crying out. I kept rolling over with the hope to stop the pain. However, nothing worked.

"Silas stoooOOOOOOP!" I screeched. It felt like my stomach was being crushed, crushing my insides in the process.

"No." His blunt answer made me cry even more.

"Silas please! I'LL TRY HARDER NEXT TIME! I WON'T BE AS SHIT AT THIS! JUST STOP USING YOUR TELEKINESIS ON MEEEEEEE!" I was shaking, sweating, screaming.

"Why should I? You fucked up badly. You don't know how to do anything correctly,"

"PLEASE STOP!! FATHER PLEASE!!" It became difficult for me to breathe. My vision was blurry.

After what felt like an eternity, the pain gradually dissipated. I lay there on the floor, struggling to catch my breath. Silas stood up, then pressed the side of my face with his foot. The pressure of his stance was hurting my cheek. I grunted in pain.

"Father, I've learnt my lesson! Please don't punish me anymore!"

"I still don't trust you. However, I'm not in the mood to stay in the same room as you any longer. If I do not see an improvement next time then I'll burn all your belongings,"

"NO! I SWEAR I'LL GET BETTER!"

"Tch!" He stood on me as he made his way towards the exit of the room. I stayed there crying, wishing this nightmare would end...

Once I become aware of my present surroundings, I rub my cheek, still feeling Silas's foot on there. I clench my fists then let out an exhausted sigh. I don't know what to do to help distract me.

I take my phone out and jump when I see my reflection. I curse myself then check my notifications. As usual, they're all random. However, a message from Adam piques my interest. I click on it.

'HELP PLZZZZ!! I NEED UR BRAIN SKJEKDJEJFJD 😭.' I hesitate. I don't have the energy to see anyone. I reply to him saying I'm busy and I can help tomorrow. I chuckle at his response - mostly filled with keyboard spamming.

I put my phone away and decide to let my anger out through working out. I rapidly punch my punching bag until it falls off the hinges. I fix it then continue. I just imagine the bag is Silas, then I get a burst of strength. It's a good thing I don't train with people. They would be hospitalised - or even dead.

I continue my training session for the rest of the day, before winding down for the night. I get engrossed in a book and spend most of the night reading it. Once I start to get sleepy, I place the book on my bedside table then fall into an on and off sleep.